Temperatures in Saudi Arabia: Dammam 17, Riyadh 14, Mecca 34

The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia released its daily weather report, detailing the maximum temperatures recorded on Thursday across the Kingdom's various regions and provinces. The report highlighted significant temperature variations between coastal, central, and northern areas, reflecting the Kingdom's diverse climate and geography.

Details of maximum temperatures in Saudi cities

The city of Dammam in the Eastern Province recorded 17 degrees Celsius, while the capital, Riyadh, saw a noticeable drop to 14 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, warm to relatively hot weather continued in the western and coastal regions, with Mecca topping the list at 34 degrees Celsius, followed by Jeddah at 33 degrees Celsius.

The details of the maximum temperatures for the rest of the cities and governorates, according to the center's report, are as follows:

• Western and Southern Coastal Region: Yanbu 32°C, Al Qunfudhah 31°C, Jazan 30°C, and Al Wajh 29°C.
• Northern and central cities and regions (the coldest): Arar, Al Majmaah, Rafha, Tarif, Rawdat Al Tanhat, Al Dahna desert and Al Samman recorded only 12 degrees Celsius, which are the lowest maximum temperatures recorded in this report.
• Other cities: Buraidah 13 degrees Celsius, Hafr Al-Batin, Al-Dawadmi and Sakaka 14 degrees Celsius, Hail, Al-Soudah and Al-Kharj 15 degrees Celsius, Al-Ahsa and Wadi Al-Dawasir 16 degrees Celsius.
• Mountainous and highland areas: Abha, Najran and Sharurah 20 degrees Celsius, Al-Baha 19 degrees Celsius, Taif and Al-Ula 24 degrees Celsius, Bisha 22 degrees Celsius, and Tabuk 21 degrees Celsius.

Climatic and geographical diversity in the Kingdom

This report reflects the continental nature of Saudi Arabia's climate, where the interior and northern regions experience cold weather during winter and transitional seasons due to their distance from bodies of water and their exposure to cold air masses from the north. Meanwhile, coastal areas bordering the Red Sea, such as Jeddah and Jazan, maintain moderate to warm temperatures thanks to the influence of humidity and the presence of water, which moderates the climate and prevents sharp drops in temperature.

The importance of weather reports

These daily reports are of paramount importance to citizens and residents, as they help in taking necessary precautions to cope with weather fluctuations, especially in areas experiencing significant temperature drops, such as the northern regions (Tarif, Arar, and Qurayyat) and the central region. The report also included warnings about strong winds that may affect some areas, such as Hail, urging caution while driving on highways and open roads.

Following weather forecasts is vital for various sectors, including agriculture, transportation, and domestic tourism, as many prefer to head to warmer areas such as Jeddah and Mecca during the cold periods that sweep through the central and northern parts of the Kingdom.